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Rodgers not distracted by City speculation

Brendan Rodgers insists reports linking him with a move to Manchester City from Liverpool are not a distraction.

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Written ByJack Davies

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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has dismissed reports linking
him with a switch to Manchester City.

The Northern Irishman has been tipped as a potential successor
to Manuel Pellegrini at the Etihad Stadium, should the City
hierarchy opt for a change of management at the end of the
season.

But Rodgers, who joined Liverpool from Swansea City in 2012 and
signed a new four-year deal on Merseyside last May, insists his
head will not be turned.

"That doesn't distract me," he said. "I chose to come to
Liverpool because I hoped I could be here for many years.

"The speculation is just the nature of football I think.

"I remember earlier this season playing Ludogorets away and as I
walked off I saw a banner that said 'Rodgers Out', so I never get
too carried away. I always have that in the back of my mind,
although it was near the dug-out and wasn't someone with the away
supporters.

"As long as the people here at Liverpool, the board, the
supporters and the players are ultimately happy with the work, I
would love to be here for as long as I can.

"If I'm here after this year, and touch wood I go into the
fourth year, this will be the longest period in any role I've been
in football. After three years I've always moved a role or a job,
from youth football right the way through.

"But I've always seen Liverpool as a club that, all being well,
was going to be a destination for me not somewhere that was part of
the journey.

"Where do you go from Liverpool, one of the biggest clubs in the
world? It is all hypothetical, Liverpool might sack me and then I
need to be in work, but I've signed a deal here and hopefully I'll
earn enough time to warrant another one."